The love for sports is something every Filipino shares, plastering their faces on billboards, throwing victory parades, and praising athletes for their successes. But what lies behind those bright moments, during times when they suffer from emotional pain, anxiety, and fear? The reality is that the system has been complacent about their struggles. As a nation, there is an expectation for them to bring home the bacon, yet not enough financial assistance and mental health support are being provided. This is not mere negligence anymore; it’s exploitation.
Toxic Filipino Mentality
Hidilyn Diaz’s victory is prime evidence of this ‘exploitation.’ In 2020, when she finally won the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo, many hailed her as a symbol of Filipino resilience. However, her journey was far from the glorified image of triumph presented on television. Before achieving this victory, she had to reach out online for financial support, posting a plea that stated, ‘Is it okay to ask for sponsorship from private companies for Tokyo 2020?’
Let that sink in. An athlete representing the Philippines on the world stage, who would eventually set two Olympic records, had to ask for funds because the government offered little to no support. This is not just failure—it’s a disgrace.
However, this narrative does not end there. Irish Magno, the first Filipina boxer to qualify for the Olympics, shared that her allowance was delayed for two months, leaving her family to struggle. She was not just fighting for a medal; she was fighting to put food on the table. This continuous lack of support and funding causes mental anguish and public outbursts. Imagine competing at the world’s highest level while also worrying if your government will follow through with their end of the deal.
The Broken System
The Philippine sports system has a rotten core, and mental health is where the gaps are most visible. Filipino athletes are told to toughen up, to stay quiet, and to just win. This toxic mindset leads to burnout, premature retirements, and mental breakdowns. When Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka made headlines for prioritizing their mental health, they faced both praise and criticism. Their struggles are not just a product of personal hardships; they’re a reflection of a broken system.
Evidence shows that mental health directly impacts performance. A study by the International Olympic Committee has highlighted the improved performance of athletes who receive mental health support. They perform better, recover faster, and are less prone to injury. Yet here in the Philippines, mental health is still treated as a weakness and regarded as an afterthought in sports.
Now the question isn’t whether to support their mental well-being; it’s why haven’t we already? It’s time to stop treating athletes as mere commodities and start acknowledging them as human beings with emotional needs.
Mental health support is still in its infancy in the Philippines. Sports psychologists and counselors are not yet mainstream, leaving athletes to deal with their own demons. This lack of professional support forces them to suck it up and try to win over the darkness, leaving them at a disadvantage against competitors who have stronger support systems.
It’s time to stop glorifying only physical feats and start respecting the mental resilience it takes for athletes to thrive. Their success doesn’t just come from hours in the gym or training under the sun; it comes from the strength of their minds. As spectators, it’s our responsibility to recognize this invisible edge and support athletes not just when they’re standing on the podium, but when they’re battling the darkest corners of their minds.
Start Now
Conversation about mental health is no longer an option; it is a necessity. We cannot keep pretending that athletes are just objects programmed in a system to achieve instant victories. First and foremost, they are human beings who are vulnerable to emotions. We have seen time and time again how they break not from physical tiredness, but from reaching their mental limits.
Sports psychologists need to be integrated into every national sports program, providing mental health resources that are free, accessible, and confidential. Most importantly, there must be a cultural shift that does not treat athletes as machines, but as individuals with the right to prioritize their well-being.
Public and private partnerships can also be key in funding mental health initiatives. Additionally, financial security must be guaranteed for athletes. The government must ensure that funds are disbursed on time, with transparency and accountability to prevent mismanagement. Furthermore, mental health seminars should be mandatory for officials and handlers to help dismantle the stigma surrounding this sensitive topic.
Anti-exploitation laws must be enacted to protect athletes from political and financial exploitation. Athletes should be celebrated not just for their victories, but for the challenges they overcome. Mental health support is a necessity that needs to be prioritized. It’s time to stop making excuses and change for the better.
Let’s be clear: athletes are warriors. But the fiercest battles they fight are often the ones you can’t see—the ones that happen long before they step into the spotlight. Mental health is the true battleground, and it’s time we start treating it as such. Because without mental grit, all the talent in the world means nothing.
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